Kigoma is located on the banks of Lake Tanganyika. Lake Tanganyika is the longest and second deepest lake in the world. The lake is in East Africa’s Great Rift Valley and is said to contain about 18% of the world’s freshwater.
Kigoma is a famous main gateway to Gombe and Mahale Mountains National Parks. Kigoma is also famous for the historic town of Ujiji. It is here in Ujiji where Henry Morton Stanley found the ailing David Livingstone and greeted him with “Dr. Livingstone, I presume?”.
Kigoma is also famous for the old MV Liemba, which was fitted by Germans in 1913. The ship runs its routes between Kigoma and Mpulungu in Zambia. There are a lot of things to do, but I will share the most exciting ones you can do in Kigoma or the surrounding areas.
- Explore Chimpanzees of Gombe
- Water Sports at Lake Tanganyika
- Discover the Mahale Mountains National Park
- Visit the Livingstone Memorial Museum
- Kigoma Town Tour
- Go Out for Typical Tanzanian Food
- Explore Lake Tanganyika by Boat
- Visit Ujiji Historical Town
- Visit Jakobsen’s Beach
- Pay a Visit at Katonga Fishing Village
At the end of this article, I will give some detailed information about the activities listed above. So, read on to find out more. But first, it is good if I tell you briefly about Kigoma before I get to the individual activities.
About Kigoma
Kigoma is the capital of the western region of Tanzania. It serves as the central port in the western region of the country. Kigoma is located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, the longest and second deepest lake in the world. Kigoma is surrounded by mountains and forests which makes it a beautiful place to visit.
Kigoma is the end of the B381 road which branches off the B8 national road at Kasulu. Kigoma is known as “Kigoma, Mwisho wa Reli”, Swahili for “Kigoma, railway terminus”. It is here in Kigoma town where the terminus of the Central Line railway was.
Kigoma town is the main entrance to the Gombe and Mahale National Parks. Kigoma also has an ancient town called Ujiji. It is in Ujiji where Henry Stanley David Livingstone found him ill and addressed him as “Dr. Livingstone, I presume”. So it is worth spending time in Kigoma and exploring what it has to offer.
Let us now explore in detail the most exciting activities you can do in Kigoma or the surrounding areas.
1. Explore The Chimpanzees Of Gombe.
The Gombe Stream National Park is in the west of Kigoma on the banks of Lake Tanganyika. The Park itself lies within the mighty Gombe mountain range and covers 56 square kilometers. Accessible by boat, the park is a popular tourist destination due to its great diversity.
Gombe is famous for its chimpanzees, the closest relatives of humans, who share 98% of our genetic code. Here you can observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat from the dense mountains.
Let me first share with you a brief history of this beautiful national park in Tanzania. In 1965, Jane Goodall, a conservationist, established her Chimpanzee Gombe Research Center here.
She founded the center as a program to further the revolutionary knowledge of chimpanzee behavior. She spent months tracking the elusive troops of chimpanzees, particularly the chimpanzee community of Kasekela.
She researched the chimpanzees’ emotions, intelligence, family, and social relationships, among other things. Her research yielded results that challenged the two common beliefs of the time. It was a common belief that only humans could make and use tools. It was also said that chimpanzees were passive vegetarians. Tool Making Techniques.
From their study, it was found that chimpanzees could make and use tools and that chimpanzees could also hunt and eat meat.
In response to Goodall’s revolutionary findings, Louis Leakey wrote: “We must now redefine humans, redefine tools, or accept chimps as humans!”
Since then, the park has gained a worldwide reputation through Jane’s work. The project is now considered the world’s longest-running study of a wildlife population.
Today, the park’s chimpanzee families are well acclimated to humans, and you can even hike through lush forests to see them up close. So, visiting this place will lead you to a deep connection with nature.
Your guide will take you on the treks, but you should be in good health to participate in the trekking. It is an up and down trekking to get close to the chimpanzees.
You can see many species of birds in the park as over 200 species of birds call this park home. The Park is also home to about 250 species of butterflies, you will have a chance to see some. Another interesting thing here is watching troops of olive baboons on the beach. They like to play with the water and look at what the fishermen leave of their nightly catch.
The beach itself is a beautiful place to sail, snorkel, fish, and chill, and after dark, the lake is like a sprawling city. A dazzling night sky is complemented by the lanterns of hundreds of small wooden boats bobbing on the lake.
2. Water Sports At Lake Tanganyika
Lake Tanganyika is believed to be 9 to 20 million years old. It is home to more than 280 colorful species, making it one of the most biodiverse bodies of water on earth. You will find plenty of water-based activities when you are in Kigoma at Lake Tanganyika.
The weather is pleasant with temperatures ranging from 24 to 26 degrees Celsius and the water is fresh. Crystal clears as far as the eye can see. The water has no tides, no surf, just tilapia. The rock formations here are home to many endemic fish.
Some of the highly recommended activities you can try are fishing and snorkeling. You can try your hand at fishing in the traditional style with a hand line and an oar. It is said that the freshwater fish at Lake Tanganyika is the healthiest fish in the world.
Diving is also perfect here, as the water is warm, and you will see a wide variety of colorful fish. Just be concerned about the water depth if you are not competent. Some crocodiles, hippos, and deadly Tanganyika cobras also reside here, So be vigilant. The easiest way is to check with local guides who will lead you to the safest zones to go into the water.
Another fun activity you should not miss on this lake is kayaking. Simply paddle out to a beach picnic to explore the lake from a different perspective. Alternatively, chill at a beach buffet table with drinks and enjoy the sunset on the horizon. If you are near Gombe, you may even spot the olive-green beach baboons sharing the beach with humans.
If you are here after sunset, the stunning night sky will be perfected by the lights of hundreds of small wooden boats bobbing on the lake. The lake becomes like a sprawling city. It is a beautiful experience that you will not forget.
3. Mahale Mountains National Park
Mahale Mountains National Park is located on the banks of Lake Tanganyika in Kigoma. Reaching the park itself is an adventure as it is only accessible by plane or boat. It is one of the most beautiful and interesting parks in Africa. Life, rivers, and waterfalls are everywhere. This is a remote and one of only two sanctuaries for chimpanzees in Tanzania.
Mahale is one of the world’s best places for chimp trekking through the misty forests. If you are keen to enjoy the view from the highest point of Mount Nkungwe, it is 2,465m high. It is also the only place where chimpanzees and lions live together.
There are about 1000 chimpanzees here and the chimpanzees of the Mimikire clan are completely habituated to the lion. You can easily observe the M group, led by a strikingly dominant male, Alofu. They go where they want and when they want but are familiar with humans in the vicinity.
The best time to trek with them is after they have moved down the mountains in search of food. It is fun to watch them foraging, preening, scuffling, bickering, and caring for their children.
Expect to see many species of birds and butterflies, as there are about 355 species of birds recorded here. These include malachite kingfishers, magpie kingfishers, and ospreys. As you approach the woods, you may also see Livingstone’s turacos, Narina’s trogons, crested guinea fowl, and Blue-cheeked bee-eaters. If it is a lucky day, you may see leopards here.
You will spot some amphibians and reptiles, of which 20 and 26 species respectively are native here. See troops of yellow baboons, red colobus, blue red-tailed, and vervet monkeys up close. You will easily find yourself sharing the same beach with these beach dwellers on pristine, powder-white sand. Most of the time, they emerge on the beach to enjoy splashing and swimming in the water.
Another interesting activity you can try here is fishing your meal for later preparation. There are plenty of unique species of fish swimming in the clear waters of the lake. Or go snorkeling where you can encounter some of the 250 endemic fish species in the shallow waters. Just keep your eyes peeled, as hippos and crocodiles are always close by too.
Some of the popular places you can stay here are Nomad’s Greystoke Mahale, Nkungwi Lodge, and Mbali Mbali Mahale.
4. Livingstone Memorial Museum
Livingstone Museum is a small museum in Kigoma that tells a lot about the slave trade and the representatives of colonialism like Dr. Livingstone. The place is more relevant than the content of the museum.
See the history of the famous mango tree in Africa which marks the slave trade route. The pictures about the slave trade are shocking and interesting to learn. You will feel how the slaves walked from Ujiji to Bagamoyo with their necks tied and hands tied behind their backs.
The story of Dr. Livingstone is also alive here. You will feel like you are close to Dr. Livingstone and his adventurous life. Here you will learn more about his tours in Africa and his dead gossip bases. Also, the arrival of Henry Stanley and his meeting place with Dr. Livingstone at a Mongo tree.
My friend had learned this story in Bagamoyo and wanted to learn more from here. She said that this is a perfect place to meet Dr. Livingstone.
You will see with your eyes the two drab statues of the explorers lifting their hats in mutual salute. It is as if you are stepping on the route that Burton and Speke also took. The museum also showcases the history and lifestyle of the locals in Kigoma. You will find documentaries about the legends of Kigoma.
You can learn the history of MV Liemba, formerly known as Graf Von Goertzen. This ship is an important ship connecting four different countries through Lake Tanganyika. Anyway, let me give you a brief history of MV Liemba! MV Liemba, formerly known as Graf Von Goertzen, is a former German warship built-in 1913.
The Germans built it to serve as a cargo ship on Lake Tanganyika in German East Africa, now Tanzania. During World War I, the ship served as an armed cargo and passenger ship on the German side. At the end of the war in 1917, the Germans opened their seawater valves and sank the ship. The Germans’ intention was not to abandon the ship for the Victorious British army.
In 1922, the ship was re-floated by the British to serve as a cargo and passenger ship. The ship is still in service. It is now owned by the Marine Services Company Ltd, At that time, the Liemba operated the route from Kigoma to Mpulungu in Zambia via Bujumbura in Burundi and back to Kigoma.
5. Kigoma City Tour
Kigoma is the largest city on Lake Tanganyika. Exploring this city is an important activity that will make you discover the unknown.
Exploring the traditional market which is full of life and color is not to be missed.
Walking through the market adorned with colorful items is something to remember in the city. You will find almost all the things that this place offers, fish, fruits, vegetables and other types of things.
As you get closer, you will see the ladies patiently approaching you and asking you to buy their goods. Buying their products helps them earn a small income for the survival of their families.
Why not buy some souvenirs to take home?
But put kitenge (vitenge in plural) on your shopping list. Kitenge is a common and respectful piece of colorful cloth that you may have seen in Africa. It is known as “African print” and is mainly found in Kigoma when you are in Tanzania.
You will also find the famous high-quality Dagaa fish, and you can shop like a local to prepare it later. Or just sit down at the nearby restaurant and enjoy the fish with ugali or wali. They are delicious! From the market, you can walk past the Kigoma port and then the train station if you like. These are nice places to see locals and learn more about their history and way of life.
Everyone who arrives in Kigoma does not think they have seen palm oil products before. You may have never seen palm oil soap, here you can buy as much as you can to moisturize your skin. But why not visit the palm oil farms and learn about palm oil directly from the farmers?
On the way back to your hotel, you will interact with locals. It is a worthwhile tour not to be missed during your stay in Kigoma.
6. Go Out For Typical Tanzanian Food
If you want to explore the real life of the locals, you cannot miss trying some local dishes. Most of the small restaurants offer typical local dishes that you must enjoy in Kigoma. See the smiles on the faces of the service staff as they serve you. You can tell that you are warmly welcomed.
They serve you with very normal facilities. Everything is maintained on-site, so you really feel like you are in the African community. But do not let that fool you, the food has a unique taste that we miss when we eat in big hotels. The food is delicious and tasty.
You eat like the locals and make them feel that you are not a stranger but a friend to them. Even more interesting, eating in small restaurants are also easy on the wallet. But what are the usual delicious dishes you can try here?
Here I have compiled a list of Tanzanian food that you can try in Kigoma:
- Chai na Chapati
- Pilau Kuku
- Ugali na Dagaa
- Wali na Samaki
- Chips Mayai Mishikaki
- Fresh Juice
- Wali na Maharage
Some of the best places for you to find nice local foods are:
- Sun City
- Kigoma Catering, Food, and Supplies
- Sonza Wileme Shop
- Uniq Pub
- Green View
- Coast View
There are many other places where you can try Tanzania’s delicious food in Kigoma.
Just want to hang out and have a drink? Bangwe beach and Golden/Paradise beach are still perfect places to go. Or go to Metro Pub and enjoy the Mbuzi or Kuku while enjoying live music in the evening.
But the nicest place I can’t miss in Kigoma is Sandra Bar and the restaurant. It is a small “club” with a nice dance floor, pool table, and a nice bar. The local food is great here.
So, if you are looking for what to do in Kigoma, include going out for local food on your list.
7. Explore Lake Tanganyika By boat
Lake Tanganyika is still unknown in many ways. The lake borders four countries; Tanzania, Burundi, Congo, and Zambia, making it an important link between them. A boat tour on this beautiful lake with great history is a great thing to do in Kigoma.
You can find traditional shows, motorboats, or speed boats at different rates. Just arrange in advance to get the beautiful boat. Or check with MV for Liemba schedules so you can explore the lake with its different stops. With the local guide, you will learn many untold wonders of the lake itself. Learn about its formation and features and see amazing steep mountains that rise steeply into the sky above the lake.
This trip will take you to various villages, beaches, national parks, and other historical sites. Along the way, you will see many exciting things: Fish species, predators of the lake and wild animals, and local people. On the lake, you will meet different boats with fishermen, passengers, and cargo.
You will enjoy disembarking on the shores to fish or explore the beaches. Interact with the fishermen and learn about their skills. They are happy to share their stories with travelers.
Watch birds while enjoying the sunset over the lake waters. Enjoy a sunset cruise on the upper decks while majestically feeling the breeze. Just take as many beautiful photos as you want to make your day a memorable one.
8. Visit The Town Ujiji Historical
Ujiji is a famous town in Tanzania and is located here in Kigoma. This is the oldest town in western Tanzania. Did you know that the London Missionary Society established its first mission post in Ujiji? It was in 1878 on the banks of Lake Tanganyika and you will see the place with your eyes.
It is the place where Richard Burton and John Speke first arrived on the shore of Lake Tanganyika in 1858. They were the first Europeans to see Lake Tanganyika. Let me briefly tell you an interesting story that you will also find in Ujiji. After several years of no news of Dr. Livingstone and many thought he was dead, Henry Stanley is sent to Africa to find out the truth. On November 10, 1871, Stanley arrived to find that Dr. David Livingstone had arrived back in Ujiji only the day before. Henry Stanley greets Dr. Livingstone with, “Dr. Livingstone, I presume?”.
Dr. Livingstone himself wrote:
“When my spirits were at their lowest, the Good Samaritan was close at hand, for one morning [my servant] Susi came running at top speed, exclaiming, ‘An Englishman! I saw him!’ and ran to meet him. The American flag at the head of the caravan betrayed the nationality of the stranger. Bales of goods, tin tubs, huge kettles, cooking pots, tents, etc., made me think, ‘This must be a luxurious traveler and not one at the end of his tether like myself.'”
We will show you where they met under two ancient Mongo trees. Here is a marker where the Arab slave trade route, which Dr. Livingstone tried to end, and the ivory trade began.
Here you will find a monument erected to commemorate the meeting. It is known as the “Dr. Livingstone Memorial”. You will also see a former slave route near the Ujiji market.
From the memorial, you can walk to the beach. See how the locals swim, bathe, wash, sell and buy goods, and the famous dhow builders are at work. It is an African life experience that you will not forget.
9. Visit Jakobsen’s Beach
Jakobsen’s Beach consists of two tiny, stunning sandy coves below a wooded hill. It is a private, pristine beach with powder pink sand. The beach is surrounded by beautiful, unspoiled nature for you to wander around.
It is a beautiful place where you can enjoy a relaxing and affordable getaway. It is a perfect place if you are looking for a quiet retreat. Sometimes you might think you are the only person in the world.
Snorkeling is best in clear water with round rocks that drop steeply into deep water. You will encounter a greater variety of colorful fish species. You will find some bands for shade and some soft drinks are sold at the guest house.
Just be careful with your belongings as troops of beach baboons can show up here anytime. Bird watching is one of the things that makes this place even more breathtaking. Don’t be surprised if you see zebras (called zebrastian).
My friend and I came here in October 2018 on our way to Katavi. We spent one night here, and the experience was amazing. Uncrowded beach, safe, nice staff and just cheap compared to other expensive places.
Watching the sunset was beautiful here. After the sun you can see lights of fishing boats heading out for night fishing. I liked everything except for the fact that I had to leave.
It is worth saving your time to visit this place if you are in Kigoma and looking for what to do.
10. The Village Katonga Fishing
Katonga is a famous traditional fishing village in Kigoma. It is easily accessible by Daladala which departs from the railway station.
If you arrive here early in the morning, you will see fishing boats coming back after spending the night on the lake and fishing by the light of the lanterns.
Here you can watch old-style fishing and see the Dagaa fish being dried on the beaches in the sun. When you look at the beaches, it is as if they are covered with a silver carpet.
You will see many fishermen’s clothes drying on barbed wire and fishing nets on the beach. See local women and men coming with their backs to buy fresh fish to sell in the markets.
You can shop like them for later preparation or sit in the nearby restaurant and taste the fresh fish. You feel like you have become like them.
If you hang around after dark, the lake is like a sprawling city. The dazzling night sky is complemented by the lanterns of hundreds of small wooden boats bobbing on the lake. They are fishermen on their way to catch the small dagaa fish.
Conclusion
There are a lot of activities worth doing in Kigoma. The question is, what is the best you can put on your list? It may be difficult for you to decide which activities to choose.
That is the reason why I have shared the most exciting and fun things to do to make your life easy. You may not be able to try all the things. So, what you can do now is to choose activities that suit your interest and the nature of your trip.
